With limited draft capital and a strong core of players, the Indianapolis Colts were in a bit of a tough spot this offseason. They showed the potential to beat anyone in the league, but they also proved that they could lose to anyone.
Not many people know what to make of the Colts' polarizing season. Were they as good as they looked in the first half? Were they as bad as they looked when they closed out the season? It's hard to tell, but blowing up the roster made little sense in that scenario.
However, even if they didn't make any flashy moves in the offseason, some of their newcomers should still be poised for a big role right out of the gate. Whether it's starting or as the first guy off the bench, these three new faces should shake up the Colts' depth chart.
3 new arrivals who should shake up the Colts' depth chart
Seth McGowan
The Indianapolis Colts already have one of the best running backs in business, so whoever is Jonathan Taylor's backup won't play that much. Even without a contract extension, Taylor isn't going anywhere.
That said, rookie seventh-round pick Seth McGowan has turned some heads in no time in Indianapolis. While not overly explosive, he's physical, strong, and looks like a prototypical, hard-hitting power back for short-yardage situations.
Moreover, his NFL dream was almost over after a major scandal off the field at Oklahoma, so he has that determination and a huge chip on his shoulder to earn his spot in every drill. D.J. Giddens was a non-factor last season, and the RB2 spot is there for the taking.
A.J. Haulcy
With Nick Cross no longer in the picture, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will most likely turn to LSU rookie A.J. Haulcy to handle business at strong safety. However, given his versatility and the team's needs at the position, it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see him also play a lot in the slot.
Haulcy played nearly 400 snaps at nickelback in college, and he should be in for some of Justin Walley's snaps. Cam Bynum will mostly be out there at free safety, though Anarumo has a knack for moving players around with disguised coverages.
The Colts can afford to gamble with Haulcy because of the experience he'll have on his side. Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and the aforementioned Bynum are a top-tier DB trio, and the Colts' third-rounder will have more than enough freedom to grow through his mistakes.
Colby Wooden
The Colts traded for Colby Wooden to be Grover Stewart's backup, but he might play much more than the usual reserve. DeForest Buckner's health is a major question mark, and they might want to take it easy on their aging veteran.
Chris Ballard didn't hesitate to move Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers because of Wooden's ability to shut down the run. "The General" was a vocal leader at Lambeau Field, and he'll give them a starting-caliber backup if (when) Father Time continues to catch up to Buckner.
The Colts should have one of the stoutest run defenses in the league again next season, regardless of who's holding down the front in the interior of the defensive line. It will be more of a three-man rotation than two established starters, with someone coming off the bench here and there.
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